Voni B. Grimes: York loses one of its most well-known, and most cheerful, citizens at 95

A program honoring the life and work of Voni and Lorrayne Grimes was held at Small Memorial A.M.E Zion Church in York Sunday, November 30, 2014.
Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record

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Voni Grimes comes to the altar and plays "May the Work I've Done Speak For Me" on his harmonica during a program honoring the life and work of Voni and Lorrayne Grimes at Small Memorial A.M.E Zion Church in York Sunday November 30, 2014.(Photo: Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record/Sunday News)Buy Photo

He was unrelentingly positive, a person who dedicated himself, early on, in finding joy in life and spreading it to others. He was a fixture in York for as long as many of us can remember, one of the people who defined the community.

The old College Avenue Gym in the city bears his name, a testament to his dedication to fitness and healthy living. He rubbed elbows with the movers and shakers in town, but always remained humble, his one nod to vanity being that he always dressed well.

Grimes passed away Friday, the Boulding Mortuary has confirmed. He had just turned 95 on Dec. 23.

Tributes to Grimes started to pour in Friday afternoon.

"Voni’s long life of service is an inspiration to us all," Gov.Tom Wolf tweeted. "He survived WWII and fought racism, spread knowledge at Penn State York and joy with his harmonica and spirit. We shared a love of York and dedication to giving back. Rest in peace, Voni."

State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans said in a statement that he was "a truly inspirational figure in the York community."

"His life, from growing up in segregated schools to becoming one of York’s most influential leaders, offers an example for us all in overcoming adversity," the statement says. "He was a man of great faith and a friend to everyone, and he gave back to his York community in too many ways to count."

She expressed her condolences to his family and friends.

"We will miss hearing his stories and his harmonica, and I hope to help keep his memory alive in York for many years to come," Hill-Evans said in the statement.

Grimes was an unusual public figure -- a leader without ever being elected to do so. He had a way in inspiring people simply by the virtue of his personality.

Born in 1922 in Bamberg, S.C., home to many of York's deeply rooted African-American families, he moved north with his family as a young child. He recalled attending segregated schools and wondering why it had to be that way.

Voni Grimes jokes around before the rally at Santander Stadium to celebrate Tom Wolf winning the Democratic nomination for Pa. Governor on Tuesday, May 20, 2014.(Photo: Jason Plotkin - York Daily Record)

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the Pacific. He worked at Cole Steel and later, as an administrator at Penn State York, where he would often take time to chat with students and encourage them in their studies.

"It is better to have an education and not need it than to need an education and not have it," Grimes wrote in his memoirs, "Bridging Troubled Waters".

He married his wife, Lorrayne, on March 31, 1969, a feat he often said was his greatest achievement, having found a partner in his life. He always gave credit to Lorrayne, for everything. He met her a year after his first wife, Irene, passed away from cancer.

He and Lorrayne were deeply involved in the community. Their volunteer work earned Grimes a term as a district governor for the Lions Club. He served from 2000 to 2001 as the executive head of the dozens of Lions clubs in York, Adams and Cumberland counties.

"He was willing to get involved in anything he was asked to do," said Al Hayes, who also is a past district governor for the Lions Club.

Grimes is one of the most community-oriented individuals he knows, Hayes said.

Grimes was always dedicated to fitness, treating his body like a temple. He often attributed his longevity to eating greens every day. That, and his deep faith in his Creator.

Voni B. Grimes during his time in the military.(Photo: submitted)

One story he liked to tell was that some 40 years ago, the Ku Klux Klan was recruiting in York's suburbs and had left a flyer in the door of his upscale home in Springettsbury Township, apparently in the misguided belief that such a home was out of the grasp of an African-American family. Grimes considered asking the recruiter to send him the full Klansman regalia, saying he would wear it to a meeting and in the middle of the proceedings, pull up that pointy mask and give the Klansmen a big smile.

Grimes recalled that the Yorktowne Hotel, when he was a younger man, denied blacks service. He vowed to one day live in the hotel. When he turned 75, he and Lorrayne moved into a sixth-floor suite, moving out when they needed more room for grandchildren and great-grandchildren to visit.

"He became a symbol of accomplishment," artist Ophelia Chambliss said.

He stood for education, honesty and integrity, she said.

Grimes was also a musician, playing the harmonica. He carried it with him always and would play it at the drop of a hat. His largest audience, perhaps, was when he performed the National Anthem before a York Revolution game.

Grimes also played "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch for more than a decade, according to a statement from the York Revolution.

The team named Grimes "York's brightest all-star" during the 2011 Atlantic League All-Star Game, and he was given a No. 1 All-Star jersey, which he wore nearly every time to the park, the statement says. The team also honored him with a Voni Grimes musical bobblehead in 2016.

The team could have honored Grimes "a dozen times more and not thanked him enough," the statement says.

Bobby Simpson, chief executive officer of Crispus Attucks, said he has known Grimes all of his life. Grimes has been a part of the organization for years, and the two had mentored youth together in the past.

Grimes told Simpson: "You know, men aren't great. They just do great things." That thought has stuck with Simpson to this day.

He was always a gentleman, and he was respected across all racial lines.

"He liked and got along with everybody," Simpson said.

More than all of his accomplishments, which are many, Grimes will probably be best remembered for his sunny disposition and his smile.

He said his mother once told him never to lose his "irresistible smile." And it was. It was contagious. He carried it with him always. He always felt his greatest gift was being able to make other people happy, to give encouragement to those who were down and out, to live a life filled with joy.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Boulding Mortuary. The details are not complete.

Fondly remembered

On Facebook, some of those who knew him shared the following:

James Krebs: "I had the pleasure of doing a service call for Mr Grimes at his residence a few years ago. I don't think there could possibly be a nicer and interesting person you will ever meet."

Loretta Herman: "We have lost another wonderful human being. Met and talked with him several times, what an absolute sweetheart of a man. He now takes his place in heaven with the God that he loved so much. Will be terribly missed!"

Lorie Tang: "Played harmonica at grandma's funeral, was GREAT !! GREAT MAN !!"

Jill Platts: "Voni did have an infectious smile and we soooo appreciated his tribute to my late mother Babs Platts at her funeral. Mom truly enjoyed her friendship with Voni and valued his service to our community! I am sure those in heaven will enjoy your talents as much as we have!"

James Jesse Olewiler: "R.I.P. Your gym and legacy kept quite a few young men in the city to busy to get into trouble. In fact, I myself had the pleasure of using your gym facility and even roller skating there as a York city youth resident."

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Voni Grimes plays a piece of music and sings in honor of Betty Marshall during the memorial service for York's first female mayor Sunday April 14, 2013 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York. Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record/Sunday News

Richard Arvin, left, of Springettsbury Township, shakes hands with the oldest member Voni Grimes, in his 90's, during a meeting of York County Oldtimers Softball at the Old Country Buffet in Manchester Township Monday September 28, 2015. The players played between the 1940's and 1980's. Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record/Sunday News

Voni Grimes during a meeting of York County Oldtimers Softball at the Old Country Buffet in Manchester Township Monday September 28, 2015. The players played between the 1940's and 1980's. Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record/Sunday News

World War II veteran Voni Grimes plays the national during the annual Veterans Day Program at the York Expo Center Sunday Novemember 11, 2013 on his harmonica. Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record/Sunday News

submitted Voni Grimes was recently honored for his contributions to the community and to the Rotary Club of York by being presented with the Charles S. Wolf Service Above Self Award. Mr. Grimes is a WW II Army Air Force veteran, having served in Guam. His work background includes time spent as business manager at Penn State - York. He is active in the Small AME Church and was a founding member of the York County Legal Services, Access-York, Community Progress Council and the South York Lions Club. He was a co-founder of the York County Parks and Recreation, Chair of the York County Vo-Tech Advisory Board and has chaired committees for the York County Chamber of Commerce. Among his other activities, Mr. Grimes serves as a mentor for students at the Logos Academy. He is a 33rd degree Mason, has a black belt in Judo and had the honor of having the College Avenue Gym named for him. submitted

York community leader Voni B. Grimes, left, embraces Edward P. Hall after he gave a moving Tribute speech originally written by The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during an observance at Maranatha Church of God In Christ in York Sunday. Grimes who came to York in 1926, recently wrote a memoir "Bridging Troubled Waters". File

3/2/2008 SUBMITTED
P. Joseph Raab presents a fruit basket to Richard Nixon during the former presidents visit to his namesake park. Voni B. Grimes is seen next to Raab, and John Hope Anderson is pictured at left in background. Grimes recently recounted a brief conversation with Nixon. File

In a rehearsal of a scene from the original play "After the Dust Settles," Jonathan Strawbridge, left, and R. Scott Hoover, right, act as racist diner patrons, tormenting a character played by Voni Grimes, center, who entered a whites-only establishment. The play, written for Black History Month, addresses several elements of 1950s racial tension and the beginnings of the civil rights movement. File

Community activist Voni Grimes stands beneath an umbrella during a downpour at Saturday's diversity parade in York.
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4/23/2006 DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS - BIL BOWDEN
In pouring rain, Voni Grimes greeted a small crowd of people at Saturday's diversity and peace rally in downtown York. During the event, York Mayor John Brenner praised Grimes for his dedication in helping unite the community.
local by bil. In pouring rain, Voni Grimes greeted the small crowd of people at Saturday's diversity parade at Cherry Lane. VONI File

Voni B. Grimes receives a standing ovation as he walks down the aisle at Small Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in York. The 2005 event honored his contributions to the community.
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4/24/2005: DAILY RECORD / SUNDAY NEWS -- JASON PLOTKIN
A standing ovation greets Voni Grimes as he walks down the aisle Saturday at Small Memorial AME Zion Church in York. The crowd had gathered for a concert in honor of Grimes' contributions to the community.
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Voni Grimes recieves a standing ovations as he makes his way down the isle of Small Memorial AME Zion church on Saturday, April 23, 2005. DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS - JASON PLOTKIN Jason Plotkin, York Daily Record

A tiny church built by escaped slaves was the setting for an afternoon service on June 24 in Buckingham, Pennsylvania. About 75 people trekked up Buckingham Mountain on a beautiful sunday afternoon to sing, pray and listen to a review of the churches history in the old Mount Gilead African Methodist Episcopal Church. Once a stop on the Underground Railroad, Mount Gilead now opens only a few times a year. It drew a crowd of about 75 on Sunday. Voni Grimes of York, Pennsylvania (Small Memorial AME Church of York) traveled the 100 plus miles to give a presentation on slavery and the underground railroad. Voni soulfully discussed black slavery and introduced music that often was used to communicate messages among the slaves in a way so that their owners did not understand. submitted

Voni B. Grimes, center, learns the Cupid Shuffle during a back-to-school event hosted by the Freemason Social Friendship No. 42 on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, at Farquhar Park. The York Rescue Mission hosted a family-oriented event featuring free snow cones, hot dogs, bounce houses, cotton candy, music and more near Kiwanis Lake, while across the street at the Farquhar Park Pavilion, the Freemason Social Friendship No. 42 put on a free back-to-school event culminating in a giveaway of more than 300 backpacks. File

Freedom Day Bus Captains - Going over last-minute details last night concerning York contingent to the Freedom Day demonstration in Washington, D.C. tomorrow were several bus captains shown above with William D. Barber, right, coordinator for the event. From left are Raymond Ritter, Ivan Reeves, Voni Grimes, Roger Tyler and Richard Boyer. Photo by The Gazette and Daily

Voni Grimes is surrounded by administrators on his retirement from Penn State York: From left, John Marshall, director of conitnuing education; John J. Romano, CEO, Penn State York; Ed Elias, Romano's predecessor as CEO; and Frank Miller, campus registrar. submitted

York community leader Voni Grimes performs "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" on the harmonica during the seventh inning of the second playoff game against the Lancaster Barnstormers on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011, at Sovereign Bank Stadium. The York Revolution defeated the Lancaster Barnstomers 4-1 in the second playoff game in the Atlantic League Freedom Division on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011, at Sovereign Bank Stadium. File

Judy Althoff, right, a Marine veteran from Hanover, rises from her wheelchair to salute Voni Grimes during a program honoring the life and work of Voni and Lorrayne Grimes at Small Memorial A.M.E Zion Church in York Sunday November 30, 2014. Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record/Sunday News

Voni Grimes comes to the altar and plays "May the Work I've Done Speak For Me" on his harmonica during a program honoring the life and work of Voni and Lorrayne Grimes at Small Memorial A.M.E Zion Church in York Sunday November 30, 2014. Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record/Sunday News

York Mayor C. Kim Bracey presents the key to the city to Voni, center, and Lorrayne Grimes at Small Memorial A.M.E Zion Church in York Sunday November 30, 2014. Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record/Sunday News

From the left, Ron Woodard, Voni and Lorrayne Grimes and Dr. Deborah McMillian at Small Memorial A.M.E Zion Church in York Sunday November 30, 2014 when the couple came to the altar to speak during an honorary program. Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record/Sunday News

Lorrayne Grimes receives a bouquet of roses from the church during a program honoring the life and work of Voni and Lorrayne Grimes at Small Memorial A.M.E Zion Church in York Sunday November 30, 2014. Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record/Sunday News

During a special presentation where the collection for the service was given to the couple, Voni Grimes gives it back to the church during a program honoring the life and work of Voni and Lorrayne Grimes at Small Memorial A.M.E Zion Church in York Sunday November 30, 2014. Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record/Sunday News

The honor guard during a program honoring the life and work of Voni and Lorrayne Grimes at Small Memorial A.M.E Zion Church in York Sunday November 30, 2014. Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record/Sunday News

Voni and Lorrayne Grimes speak to the congregation during a program honoring their life and work at Small Memorial A.M.E Zion Church in York Sunday November 30, 2014. Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record/Sunday News

Voni Grimes poses with his signature bobblehead prior to the York Revolution's Friday game against Somerset. The Voni Grimes Bobblehead Giveaway Night was part of the Revs "Celebrate York" 10th Anniversary Giveaway, which includes a series of bobblehead figures commemorating prominent personalities from local the community. Jim McClure/York Daily Record